US Army troops out on the Plains in the Indian Wars faced the constant challenge of obtaining sufficient fresh and nutritious rations for their arduous campaigns. They were frequently issued old crates of salt pork dating back to the Civil War, often more dangerous to the men than Indian arrows or bullets. Hunting parties brought in fresh buffalo meat to augment the frontier Army's staple: beans, which alone were expected to sustain a unit through the leanest times. The soldiers were issued the M-1880 hunting knife to assist in taking and preparing that game, and the knife was carried in a sturdy black leather scabbard worn on the belt. This US Army Indian Wars Springfield Armory M-1880 Hunting Knife is in Very Good Condition, with a bit of rounding and nicking to the blade tip, some sharpening to the blade edge, some cleaning, scratching, and pitting at each side of the blade, some verdigris, pitting, and casting lines to the guard, some light, even darkening to the handle, and with some scattered age wear evident. Otherwise, the knife is in fine shape, with no other damage. Most interestingly, it features a bright 8 3/8” single edge spearpoint blade with a pronounced fuller running nearly the length at each side, sports the classic turned and grooved oak handle, and is “U.S.” stamped with serifs at the left side of the cast brass full guard, along with its maker, the famous “SPRINGFIELD”. It’s marked with the serial number “1173” at the right side of the guard, and is complete with the original US Army Indian Wars 1st Pattern M-1880 Hunting Knife Black Leather Scabbard in Good Condition, with moderate weakening and surface cracking along the middle front and back of the leather belt hanger, a contrived hole having been punched through the upper portion of that belt hanger, moderate scattered drying, wrinkling, and crazing throughout, and with some overall age wear evident. Otherwise, the scabbard is in fine shape, with no other damage. Most interestingly, it’s unmarked as to its maker, though carries the faint inspector initials “C.E.H.” stamped vertically along the lower right back belt hanger, bears a simple folded over and stitched leather belt loop at top, distinguishing it as the scarce 1st Pattern, and carries a brass reinforced throat that houses the knife securely with a tension system. The set is a fine example of a very rare, original US Army Indian Wars Springfield Armory M-1880 Hunting Knife.